10 can't miss acts from the Bonnaroo 2014 lineup

The Bonnaroo 2014 lineup has been announced and with over 100 bands performing over the June 12-15 weekend, it's impossible to see all of them. But some bands on the initial lineup just scream "must see" above all others. Here are 10 of our picks for the best.

Elton JohnMichael Loccisano/Getty Images

Elton John

If classic rock radio mainstays like "Benny & the Jets", "Your Song", and "Rocket Man" aren't enough to make you believe that Elton John is a must-see at Bonnaroo, add to that the fact that this is John's first American festival in his long career. History will be made at Bonnaroo 2014.

Jack WhiteTerry Wyatt/Getty Images

Jack White

It's always nice when a local boy makes good and not too many Nashville residents can boast the Bonnaroo resume that Jack White has. White has performed as a sub-headlining act in the past with The White Stripes, The Raconteurs, and Dead Weather. Now the guitar hero and Third Man Records proprietor gets to anchor a day as a solo artist.

Lionel RichieLarry Busaca/Getty Images

Lionel Richie

If you only know Lionel Richie from ballads like "Hello", you're missing out on a huge portion of his career. Granted, he has made his name as a solo artist with his crooning ballads, but Richie started out as frontman for soul legends The Commodores. Expect Lionel Richie to surprise a lot of people with an energetic set.

Arctic MonkeysIan Gavan/Getty Images

Arctic Monkeys

British indie rockers Arctic Monkeys have held down prime spots at just about every major festival in America and Europe, but have never played Bonnaroo until this year. Check out what has made them such a huge festival draw internationally and you won't be disappointed.

Carolina Chocolate DropsRick Diamond/Getty Images

Carolina Chocolate Drops

Carolina Chocolate Drops are Bonnaroo veterans, having performed at Bonnaroo 2010, but they just keep getting better. Their 2012 Buddy Miller-produced "Leaving Eden" has taken them to a new level of songwriting. Their performances, blending traditional African American string band music with pop and Celtic flourishes, are always enchanting.

ChromeoJim Dyson/Getty Images

Chromeo

Electronic duo Chromeo brought down the house at Bonnaroo 2010 in their joint performance with Daryl Hall. Since then, they've gathered quite a following with their energetic and often hilarious stage antics and their '80s tinged sound.

MeshuggahScott Gries/Getty Images

Meshuggah

It's rare you get a chance to see Swedish extreme metal act Meshuggah at an American festival. They are usually entrenched on the European metal fest circuit during those months. But this, their 25th year as a band, sees them bring their fast-tempo signature changes and menacing growls to Bonnaroo. If you're a metal fan at all, you don't want to miss what is likely to be a one-time chance.

Nick Cave & the Bad SeedsKevin Winter/Getty Images

Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds

Nick Cave has always been more of a cult act than a mainstream one, but the list of mainstream acts he has influenced in his long career is impressive. His dark and often eclectic lyrics have brought him critical acclaim and a rabid fanbase and his live shows are a clinic in intensity.

Tedeschi Trucks BandVivien Killilea/Getty Images

Tedeschi Trucks Band

Husband and wife duo Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks are both acclaimed guitarists, she as a solo blues artist and he as a long time member of Southern rock legends The Allman Brothers Band. Together, as Tedeschi Trucks Band, they bring a bluesy base and a jam sensibility. If you want to see two of the best guitarists at Bonnaroo 2014 on one stage together, this is your chance.

Yonder Mountain String BandDoug Pensinger/Getty Images

Yonder Mountain String Band

Yonder Mountain String Band's mix of jam and progressive bluegrass, with some rock sensibilities sprinkled in for good measure, has brought them a huge fan following on the festival circuit, enough to even head up their own festivals. While Bonnaroo regulars for the festival's first several years, this is the group's first time at Bonnaroo since 2008. Don't miss out on some of the tightest music you'll hear all weekend.

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Chris Griffy is a life long resident of Middle Tennessee and a life long lover of festivals, fairs, and open air markets. He has extensive experience covering Bonnaroo, Americanafest, and other Nashville area festivals.. Contact Chris here, follow him on Twitter and check out his articles at the Music Examiners page on Facebook.